In a scintillating, fast-paced hockey game, the Patriots recovered from a last minute meltdown to capture HLI's B division title. With the victory, the Patriots advanced to the Island-wide B league championship game. The Patriots Mark Pane scored an unlikely gamewinner when, from the side of the net and in the midst of goalmouth mayhem, he chipped the biscuit off the back of an unsuspecting Ruben Santana, the Klash netminder. The Patriots seemingly locked up the game at 4-2, when Joe Fodera scored an apparent insurance tally with 85 ticks remaining. Predictably, the Klash pulled their goalie. Unpredictably, they scored the two to tie. In the wild, tense final minute the Klash swarmed the Patriots zone. Uncharacteristically, the Patriots went prevent and Jeff Wolfski potted two slot rebounds, 25 seconds apart, to improbably extend the game. Reeling, the Patriots impressively shook off the stinging body blow, refocused, and hatched the title winner.

B4 - Klash rebuff Patriots 7-3

Turning the tables, the Klash raced to a big first period lead and forced a winner-take-all against the Patriots. The Klash scored four in the opening stanza, including two in the first three minutes, to establish an early lead that they would not relinquish. Mark Rintel and Kiran Mhatre each had two goals and an assist in leading the Klash offense.

Winner's Bracket

B2 - Patriots blitzkrieg LI-Saints 14-1

Flying from the start, as if on unrelenting sorties, the Patriots scored early and frequently in beseiging a flat, stunned Saints squad. Angel Monforte lead the Patriot 'missile' attack with four goals and Chirs Arceri netted three. In all, eight Patriots found the back of the net in their 41 shot shelling.

B1 - Patriots do "special" work in dispatching the Klash 7-3

Scoring six times off special teams, the Patriots spotted the Klash an early 2-1 lead before scoring 6 unanswered in essentially one period. The Patriots converted three power plays and tallied three shorthanded including one down 5-on-3. Angelo Monforte scored twice and assisted on one, and Frank Arceri had a goal and two assists to lead the Patriots attack.

Loser's Bracket

B3 - Klash fend off LI-Saint 5-4

Captializing on a 2-on-1 with 3 minutes to go, Kiran Mhatre feathered a crossing pass that Mark Rintel onetimed home to lead the Klash past the Saints. In this tightly contested match, neither team lead by more than one goal. Each team had numerous chances to break the third period deadlock before Rintel settled it with his second of the night. Jeff Wolfski also scored twice for the Klash, and Sean Grubbard had two and a helper for the Saints.

Culminating a brillant postseason run, Woodstock exquisitely peaked to stun the Storm and defend their Spring C league title. Somewhat overlooked heading into the playoffs, Woodstock jettisoned the stink of their middling regular season and summoned their building championship pedigree to spur this most recent championship run. While they may lack the individual star power of their divisional rivals, Woodstock has left no doubt who is the best team.

Last night, Woodstock once again leveraged their forte of goaltending and team defense to kindle their championship win. Trailing 1-0 to the the high octane Storm, Adam Wisniewski stoned two breakaways middle of the second. His saves turned Uncle Mo and triggered Woodstock's offense. Less than one minute after Wisniewski's second showstopper, George Lee scored his first of two, and the ball started its roll downhill. Woodstock would score three more in the subsequent 12 minutes to ice the champagne.

Scoring the third Woodstock goal, and ultimate gamewinner, was defenseman and C League MVP Matt Hedgecock. Hedgecock delivered the championship clincher with a blue blast, through traffic, at 11:16 of the third. But more than the offense Hedgecock contributed, it was his lockdown defense that was crucial to Woodstock's latest championship. Each opponent Woodstock faced this postseason held a speed edge. Throughout the playoffs, Hedgecock negated this advantage with impregnable defense. He frequently defended and broke up odd man rushes, blocked numerous shots, and emphatically patrolled the slot.

C4 - Woodstock strikes back 3-2 in overtime

Playing with guts and grit, Woodstock forced the ultimate game with their 3-2 overtime win over the Storm. Dan Fehrenbach, off a Craig Tomczyk rush, scored five minutes into a white-knuckler overtime which saw both clubs miss several prime scoring chances. Woodstock took an almost instantaneous 2-0 lead 75 seconds into the game. The game then settled into a tense, physical championship match that saw the Storm battle back to a second period 2-2 tie.

Winner's Bracket

C2 - Storm swarm Phantoms-LCF 5-2

In another crisp, dominating playoff performance, the Storm controlled much of this match to move one step from the C championship. The Storm applied steady, unrelenting pressure that essentially prevented the Phantoms from generating any offense. Mark Randazzo and Jim Starr each scored twice for the Storm as they outshot the Phantoms 37-15.

C1 - Storm stifle Woodstock 4-2

Four different players scored as the Storm executed a sound playoff win. The Storm controlled much of this match. They consistently pressured the Woodstock zone and limited Woodstock to few sustained offensive chances. To their credit, Woodstock hung around but ultimately, could not neutralize the Storm's speed advantage this night.

Loser's Bracket

C3 - Woodstock dismiss Phantoms-LCF 4-1

Playing out in familar fashion, Woodstock again gets the better of the Phantoms in the playoffs. In this rugged affair, Woodstock's playoff grit wore down the Phantoms and limited third period scoring chances. Kurt Tomczyk scored twice for the winners.

Wildcard

C0 - Woodstock prune Grizzlies 4-1

Behind Craig Tomczyk's hat trick Woodstock made quick work of the Grizzlies to advance to the double elimination round. Tomczyk provided all the scoring Woodstock with need with a first period shortie and wraparound. The Grizzlies closed to 2-1 heading into the second but could not muster any more offense in the final two.

Flushing away their previous subpar title game performance, the Scorpions fitted the championship crown in their second D1 season. After uncharacteristically allowing the Panthers to have their way three days ago, the Scorpions returned to their brand of counterpunch hockey. Five different Scorpions would score, but it was the defensive effort that spurred the victory. With discipline and intensity, the Scorpions shut down the Panthers' high octane offense.

Scorpions success starts, and typically, ends with goalie Chris Lattanzio. Lattanzio, when on, can carry his team. Last night, Lattanzio turned away 27 shots including 19 in shutting out the Panthers in the final two periods. As per usual, without his effort, the Scorpions lose. The Scorpions, however, sometimes struggle to score and require a certain persistence to generate opportunities. Throughout this playoff, the embodiment of the Scorpions effort was the play of D1 League MVP Charlie Mott. Mott played with a tenacity and pluck that spearheaded the necessary edge that the Scorpions needed to win. Whether scoring or dropping back to the backline, Mott shined in all aspects. Last night, Mott set up the winning Greg Haseman goal and scored the insurance goal. But, just as important, was his effort killing off a 5-3 early in the third. In all, Mott netted six playoffs goals, with at least one in each Scorpions playoff game.

D6 - Panthers maul Scorpions 9-3

Continuing their recent strong play, the Panthers were clearly the better club tonight and they forced the D1 winner-take-all. The Panthers again played a complete game for 45 minutes balancing steady offense pressure with timely defense and goaltending. They scored three goals in each period with Nick Dimoulas heading the offense with four goals. The Panthers Anthony Pagnado and Andrew Kuhne both chipped in with two.

Winner's Bracket

D4 - Scorpions stymie Court Officers 6-2

Despite being outshot nearly 2-to-1, the Scorpions broke open this match in the second period to advance to the D championship game. The Scorpions, behind the strong work of netminder Chris Lattanzio, withstood a 17-5 Court Officers first period shot barrage and somehow emerged with a 2-1 lead. After the Officers tied it at 2-2 early in the second, the Scorpions scored four unanswered to essentially put the game out-of-reach. Joe Dionisio and Larry Jordan each ripped the twine twice for the winners.

D2 - Scorpions sting Panthers 6-1

Capitalizing on a fluke goal early in the third, the Scorpions opened up a close 3-1 game to defeat the Panthers. Charlie Mott scored three times and Dale Lewis twice to pace the Scorpions scoring.

D1 - Court Officers bust Peckers 5-2

Scoring first and building a formidable lead, the Court Officers fended off another fruitless rally to upend the top-seeded Peckers. The Court Officers built and protected another three goal lead as the Peckers could get no closer than two. Bryan Zash scored twice and assisted on another to lead the 'Officers.

Loser's Bracket

D5 - Panthers apprehend Court Officers 3-1

Putting forth perhaps their most complete game of the season, the Panthers played sound, balanced hockey in dismissing the Court Officers. Three different Panthers scored but it was the team defense the Panthers played in front of netminder Rob Conklin that keyed the win. The Panthers limited the Officers to 12 shots through two periods. In the third, when the Offciers finally started to penetrate the defense, Conklin was stellar between the pipes especially in the tense final three minutes.

D3 - Panthers claw Peckers 8-5

Making the most of their special team play, the Panthers converted three powerplays and tallied a short handed goal. The key was the Panther's ability to generate sustained slot offense that often had the Peckers scrambling to gain puck control. Seven different Panthers scored with Keith Meliak netting two and Nick Dimoulas adding four assists to his goal.

Wildcard

Dw2 - Panthers spear Barracudas 6-5

Behind the stellar goaltending of Rob Conklin, the Panthers withstood a potent Barracuda offense to advance. The Barracudas fired 35 shots at Conklin, including 27 in the first two periods. They could not, however, shake the opportunistic Panthers who managed to keep even through the first two. Nick Dimoulas and Keith Meliak each scored twice for the opportunistic Panthers, and Brian Devlin had a hat trick for the Barracudas.

Dw1 - Court Officers collar EC Caps 6-4

Riding a quick start, the Court Officers held off the EC Caps in this wildcard tilt. The Officers scored three early goals in a 13 shot first period. Five minutes into the second, they had built a 4-1 lead and seemed poised to cruise to a comfortable win. The Caps, however, roused to twice close within one but ultimately could not muster the equalizer. Both Chris Biamonte and Bryan Zash scored twice for the winners.

Focused and determined, the Minions dominated early to earn their first Long Island Cup championship. Out of the locker room, the Minions were ready to play and wasted little time to gain a lead that they would never relinquish. It took just two minutes for the Minions to open the scoring when Chris Mento snuck an sharp angle shot in the shortside. Only three minutes later the Minions struck again. This time it was D2 League MVP Chris Rybicki who did the honors. Typically, Rybicki scored on a rebound from the weakside of the goalmouth. In these playoffs, Rybicki made his living among and around the slot. In all, he tickled the twine seven times with at least one in each Minion playoff game.

The Minions would continue to pour it on. Scoring once more in the first and thrice in the second, the Minions connected from the point. They connected on the rush. They connected from the slot. They connected from behind the net. And when the second period horn blared, the Minions were up 6-1 and the heavy lady was warming. The Cyclones would stir in the third. At one point, they narrowed the margin to the dreaded three goal lead, but it was Rybicki who slammed the door. On a brillant individual effort, Rybicki dug the puck out from the corner, eluded defensemen, traversed the slot, and picked the top corner.

Winner's Bracket

DD4 - Minions eke by Cyclones-D 6-5

In a rugged choppy game marred by penalties, the Minions Tom Lai scored with just 6.9 seconds remaining to move them into the D2 title game. The Cyclones had scored two shorties 10 seconds apart with under five to go to tie the match. In all, only 4 of the 11 goals came while the squads were even up.

DD2 - Cyclones cruise past NY Knights 10-6

Behind a balanced offense, the Cyclones rode a 5-0 first period lead past the Knights. The only Knights threat came when they scored three unanswered at the start of the third to close within two (8-6). The Cyclones got two goals apiece from Kyle Novellano, Brian Pinto, Ryan Yost, and Anthony Galasso.

DD1 - Minions spook Stalkers 8-5

Employing a steady offensive pressure, the Minions fired 37 shots to notch eight goals to pick off the top-seeded Stalkers. The Minions broke open the game in the third with three unanswered to build an insurmountable 7-3 lead. Heading the Minions offense was Joe Spataro who scored once and assited on four. Chris Rybacki chipped in with a natural hat trick in the third.

Loser's Bracket

DD5 - Cyclones-D checkmate NY Knights 8-4

Withstanding a third peroid rally, the Cyclones pulled away in the third and advanced out of the loser's bracket. The Cyclones took a 5-2 lead into the third only to see the Knights score twice in 11 seconds only 90 seconds in. Brian Pinto, however, quickly answered back and the Cyclones limited any Knights threats. Pinto scored three, Mike Makotinsky netted two, and Kyle Novellano set up three to pace the Cyclones scoring.

DD3 - NY Knights lance Stalkers 6-1

Dominating from the get-go, the Knights skated through, over, and past a stumped Stalkers side. The Knights unloaded 47 shots in their ceaseless barrage. Adam Schrieber scored for the cycle (even strength, powerplay, 5-on-4 shorthanded, 5-on-3 shorthanded) to lead the Knights attack.

Wildcard

DDw2 - NY Knights cast out Hex-D 7-3

Exploding for five third period goals, the Knights charged past the Hex after slumbering through the first two periods. Trailing 3-2 heading in to the final stanza, the Knights sparked with three goals in three minutes just four minutes into the third. Frank Longhitano connected for three and Adam Schrieber pitched in with two goals and two helpers.

DDw1 - Minions leash Rabid Dawgs 7-4

Joe Spataro turned the trick with his final two tallies securing the Minions victory. The Minions worked a 5-0 lead midway through the match only to see the Rabid Dawgs mount a rally. The Dawgs, however, could only close to 5-4 before Spataro sealed the win.

Playing with more poise, Bethpage FD frustrated PLT throughout most of the game to claim the E league championship and their first Long Island Cup title. Bethpage exhibited textbook playoff hockey in this victory. They combined an opportunistic offense with lockdown defense and timely goaltending to patiently wear down and frustrate PLT. Bethpage would trail early but quickly answered to close the first tied. They would not trail again.

Proving pivotal to the championship win was Bethpage's ability to break PLT down and draw penalties. PLT committed eight penalties that set up seven Bethpage powerplays. Bethpage converted two of these opportunities, both on goals by E League MVP Joe Cotton. Cotton, who was Bethpage's offense star throughout the playoffs, scored powerplay goals in both the second and third periods. In the three Bethpage wins, Cotton scored seven times. In BFD's one loss, PLT successfully keyed on and negated Cotton. In this match, however, PLT sabotaged their game plan with their numerous penalties. Once on the penalty kill, PLT could not isolate Cotton, and it proved only a matter of time before he eluded PLT's scrutiny.

E6 - PLT forges on, nips Bethpage FD 2-1

Prolonging their under-the-radar march through the loser's bracket, the sixth seeded PLT won their third one-goal playoff game to position themselves to defend their E league title. PLT again used a strong third period to shake off a sleepy first two periods. Tonight, PLT scored both in the final stanza with difference being a Jason Kule chip with 8 minutes to go. Earlier, Tom Hickcox's strong goaltending allowed PLT to weather their initial listless play.

Winner's Bracket

E4 - Bethpage FD smother Minutemen 3-0

In a defensive affair, Bethpage FD's Joe Cotton scored twice to advance his side to the E championship game. After a scoreless first period, which saw few good scoring chances, Bethpage converted on 4-on-4 to open the scoring. Throughout the game, Bethpage kept the Minutemen on the perimeter and limited rebound opportunities.

E2 - Bethpage FD hose PLT 7-2

With a five goal third period outburst, Bethpage FD moved past PLT. Bethpage's third period explosion broke a 2-2 deadlock and was headed by a command performance by Joe Cotton. PLT had no answer for Cotton as he pumped home two (to complete a hat trick) and set up two others in the decisive final stanza.

E1 - Minutemen barely "oh-lay" Raging Bulls 5-4 in OT

Pouncing on a puck that unexpectedly squirted free at the goalmouth, James McIntosh tapped in the gamewinner just 42 seconds into overtime to advance a fortunate Minutemen squad. The Raging Bulls gave the the top-seeded Minutemen all they could handle in this crisp, see-saw match. The Minutemen used two early third period powerplay goals to reclaim the lead only to see the Bulls again even it up. Murray Barthold also scored two for the Minutemen.

Loser's Bracket

E5 - PLT upsets Minutemen 2-1

Continuing their improbable run to defend their E championship, PLT shocked the top-seeded Minutemen. Joe Capobianco and Joe Cimino scored third period goals to erase a 1-0 deficit and goalie Steve Distefano stood steadfast in the third as the Minutemen scrambled to force overtime. In all, Distefano turned away 23 shots and shutout the Minutemen for the final 38 minutes.

E3 - PLT gore Raging Bulls 5-2

Thwarting a third period comeback attempt, PLT bent but didn't break before dispatching the Bulls. PLT established a 3-0 lead when Joe Capobianco potted his second with just over a minute left in the second. The Bulls would close to 3-2 before Marshall Margulis netted two emptynetters to seal the win.

Wildcard

Ew2 - PLT deflate Cyclones-E 4-3

In a mild upset, PLT fended off a late Cyclones charge to hang on. PLT built a 4-1 third period lead and was seemingly coasting to a comfortable win. The Cyclones, however, scored with just over a minute remaining and then again with 18 seconds left to put a scare into PLT before succumbing.

Ew1 - Raging Bulls eke past Euro Stars 2-1

Devin Goldberg scored twice to lead the Raging Bulls past a game Euro Stars squad. In a well played, fast paced game both teams went scoreless through the first half. Goldberg's opened the scoring late in the second immediately after the Stars had clanged a post. It wasn't until four minutes remained that he scored again to essentially put the game out-of-reach.

In a game worthy of the two divisonal heavyweights, Primetime snatched the 3C crown from the Pioneers. With the win, Primetime erased the lingering stench of last fall's playoff collapse to the Pioneers and, in turn, pinned the bugaboo of the back-to-back spit-up on their top rival. The 3C championship becomes Primetime's first LI Cup title.

Continuing the sterling play of their previous win, Primetime grabbed the early momentum by scoring just two and half minutes into the game. Bob Plansker netted the first strike and later set up another to stake Primetime to a 2-0 first period lead. With four consecutive, dominant periods, Primetime appeared poised to runaway and hide in this ultimate game. But displaying their champions heart, the Pioneers summoned the necessary second period. Two goals in 90 seconds came early as the Pioneers stormed. Only some sparkling goaltending by Ruben Santana stemmed the onslaught and kept the game tied heading into the third.

Not surprisingly, the teams closed ranks in the third. Offense came at a premium as the defenses ruled the slots at a cost. Ultimately, the difference came literally on the back of 3C MVP Dale Lewis. Lewis, who scored six during the postseason including three gamewinners, redirected a Jim Henry centering pass with six and a half to go while wearing a Pioneer defensemen. Primetime would subsequently withstand a furious, futile Pioneer push that saw much of the last 90 seconds deep in the Primetime end.

3C6 - Primetime refuses to be cancelled, plant Pioneers 3-1

Reversing recent form, Primetime forced the ultimate game with a gutcheck 3-1 win. Dale Lewis scored twice for the winners, but it was Primetime's lockdown defense that keyed the win. Primetime limited the Pioneers to just 14 shots in shutting them out over the final two periods. With the win, Primetime halted a five game losing streak against the frontier men.

Winner's Bracket

3C4 - Pioneers deny Primetime 4-2

Scoring just 15 seconds after Primetime worked a tie, the Pioneers took a 3-2 second period that they would not relinquish. Stan Cotek scored the gamewinner in typical Pioneer fashion - close and in the goaltender's kitchen. Pat Calcagno provided the insurance 18 seconds into a third period powerplay.

3C2 - Pioneers corral Kodiaks 6-4

Unable to shake a game Kodiaks side, the top-seeded Pioneers needed the full 45 before they put this baby to bed. Midway through the third, the Pioneers seemed to have the match in hand when Jim McAleer scored to make it 5-2. The Kodiaks, however, refused to go quietly and closed to 5-4. It was only when the captain, Warren Sackman, scored his second, an emptynetter, that the game was iced.

3C1 - Primetime paste Rangers 9-2

Seven different players scored as Primetime pounded a listless Rangers squad. Primetime skated with more purpose and aggression in squeezing the Rangers in their end for large chunks of the match. The Rangers managed to hang heading into the third before Primetime snuffed any doubt with five third period goals.

Loser's Bracket

3C5 - Primetime escape Kodiaks 4-3 in shootout

Dale Lewis converted the only shot in the 10 man shootout to sneak Primetime by a gutsy, upset-minded Kodiaks squad. Primetime had this game in hand with a 3-0 lead with just under seven to go. They had controlled tempo and had generated the better scoring chances. Save the efforts of Kodiaks goalie Marc Tesoriero this game was long done. Stunningly, however, the Kodiaks reached within and clawed all the way back. Closing with a fury, Rich Pisani scored twice within 25 seconds and, with 63 ticks left, Brendon Ielpi finished a brillant end-to-end rush roofing an upclose backhand.

3C3 - Kodiaks survive OT marathon 5-4

In a match worthy of HLI playoff lore, Scott Wood propelled the Kodiaks past the Rangers 13 minutes into overtime. In a game which saw the teams tied at the end of each period, Wood's gamewinner came off a dipping knuckler that eluded Ranger goalie Chris Vience through the five hole. Vience was immense through much of the overtime repeatedly frustrating the Kodiak sniper line of Wood, John Hughes, and Tom Fedora. This line accounted for all Kodiaks scoring with each player recording three points (Hughes and Fedora both scored twice).

Wildcard

3C0 - Kodiaks lay the "Wood" to the Bladerunners 6-1

Scott Wood lit the lamp four times and helped on another to lead the Kodiaks past the Bladerunners. Wood opened the scoring less than two minutes in and put the game away with a first minute third period tally. Ben Parker assisted on three of Wood's goal and also scored.

3D4 - Return to Glory - Bucs end five year title drought with 8-2 sacking of the Moose

Setting aside a tentative first period, the Bucs finally gained control in the pivotal second and left no doubt in winning the 3D Championship. This title win harkened the Bucs glory days five years ago when they captured four consecutive Long Island Cup crowns. This Cup victory saw them spot the Moose a 1-0 first period lead. The pace of the opening period favored the Moose who imposed their counterpunch style of physical pressure to force and pounce on turnovers. In the second, despite only generating one shot, the Moose controlled the first ten minutes, and the smell of upset started to seep into the arena.

But, suddenly, it all changed. The Bucs scored five times in a span of 10 minutes with the opening salvo coming from where it often does for this squad - 3D League MVP Bruce Kowalsky. Kowalsky, who can beat you in the trenches just as easily as on the rush, ignited the red light brigade at 4:56 with a slot backhand off a feed from brother Keith. The Bucs would score two more in the second and twice again in the first five minutes of the third to salt away their elusive title. The Bucs top line, centered by Kowalsky, produced five goals and thirteen points with Kowalsky setting up four of the Bucs goals. Linemate John Kannengeiser scored three and Keith Kowalsky would add one and help on three others.

Winner's Bracket

3D2 - Bucs sack Moose 6-2

Four first period goals in four minutes proved the difference for the Bucs as they broke open a 1-0 game and contained the Moose the final two periods. Bruce Kowalsky scored twice in the sudden spree that arose with just 4:14 left in the opening stanza. Outside this offensive outburst, the Moose played the Bucs even with goalie Mike Mongiardo shining in denying several prime Bucs scoring chances.

3D1 - Moose muzzle Banshees 4-2

In the latest chapter of this intense rivalry, the Moose continued their recent playoff success against the Banshees. The game went scoreless in a conservatively played first half. The match dramatically changed when the Banshees broke the scoreless tie. The Moose quickly, and decisively, responded with two goals in the subsequent 90 seconds. They stretched their lead with two third period breakaway conversions spawned from the Banshees vainly opening up their offense.

Loser's Bracket

3D3 - Moose filch the Banshees 3-1

Scoring three times in the final five minutes, the Moose continued their recent mastery of the Banshees. This sleepy match, which saw no goals and 20 combined shots (10 apiece) through the first two periods, awoke with a roar at 8:46 remaining. The Banshees broke the scoring drought and seemed poised to double their lead. Moose netminder, Mike Mongiardo, however, stoned a pivotal breakaway. His save energized the Moose offense, and Ralph Somma, Jay Hoffman, and Jim Marrone scored in rapid succession to finish, and haunt, the Banshees.

Wildcard

3D0 - Banshees clip Leafs 3-1

Beating them for the second time in a week, the Banshees ended the Leafs season in typical Banshees fashion. Playing close to the vest, the Banshees worked a 2-1 lead heading into the third. They then bided time limiting Leaf opportunities before notching an insurance tally with just four to go. Mike Gozley led the Banshees with a goal and an assist.

Bouncing back from their previous listless effort, the Mustangs controlled much of the latter half of the match to successfully defend their 3E Spring title. The Mustangs again started slowly. The Rats dominated the first and limited any meaningful Mustang chances. Mustang goalie Lou Orsi, however, stoned all Rat chances to maintain a scoreless tie and set the stage for the decisive second period.

Wasting no time, the Mustangs seized the game just 21 seconds into the middle stanza. 3E MVP Jeff D'Amico controlled the opening drop, skated the puck low in the offensive zone, and threaded a pass to an unattended Joe Minarczyk who netted a onetimer. On his very next shift, D'Amico perfectly laid a backhand pass to a streaking Minarczyk who again buried the biscuit and good night lights. The Mustangs, buoyed by D'Amico sterling effort, unleased 14 shots during the second scoring twice more to put the game, and the 3E championship, out-of-reach.

3E6 - Rats run roughshod over Mustangs 5-0

Five different players scored as the Rats spanked a flat Mustangs squad and forced the decisive 3E championship game. The Rats collective team effort was backboned by the stellar play of netminder Craig Schuster. Schuster turned away all 23 Mustang shots including 14 in the pivotal second period. The Rats broke a scoreless tie halfway into the second and then dominated the third to set up the winner-take-all.

Winner's Bracket

3E4 - Mustangs nip the Tribe by a nose 6-5

Scoring with just 41 ticks left, the Mustangs withstood late Tribe pressure to advance into the 3E championship. Jeff D'Amico backhanded the gamewinner, his second, after the Tribe had rallied from a 5-3 third period deficit behind two Rob Cowen goals. D'Amico also had three assists and Mitch Cagner scored twice for the winners in this back-in-forth match which saw four ties.

3E2 - Mustangs slip past Rats 3-2

Jeff D'Amico's shorthanded goal with just 2:13 remaining proved the difference as the Mustangs rallied to move past the Rats. The Rats had taken a 2-0 first period lead behind two Dan Cole goals. The Mustangs superior manpower, however, ultimately bore its impact in the latter stages of the second. Two goals, 27 seconds apart, with under 90 seconds knotted the score. In the third, the teams traded several 'how-did-it-not-go-ins' before D'Amico netted the gamewinner.

3E1 - Tribe trim East Coast 6-3

After squandering an early 2-0 lead, the Tribe buttoned up on defense to score the final four goals to move past East Coast. Jim Augustoni scored three times to lead the way for the Tribe. His gamewinner came off a threaded Ned Jensen bomb pass that eluded several East Coast defenders.

Loser's Bracket

3E5 - Rats scalp Tribe 5-4 in shootout

In an nip-and-tuck match that saw four lead changes, Dan Cole delivered the clinching shootout goal to advance the Rats to the 3E championship game. Each team twice held a one goal advantage with the Tribe grabbing a 4-3 lead with 4:10 to go only to see Tom Rom tie it a minute later. Dan Morgan scored twice for the Rats, and John Garland scored twice for the Tribe.

3E3 - Rats edge East Coast 2-1 in double OT thriller

Dave Beatty's backhander, 14 minutes into overtime, proved the gamewinner in a match ruled by the two netminders. The Rats' Craig Schuster and East Coast's Seth Fass both played exceptionally with each making several outstanding stops. Fass' best work came in the first overtime when he singlehandedly kept East Coast alive.

Wildcard

3E0 - East Coast quell the Rage 3-0

Making two first period goals stand up, East Coast shutout the Rage. East Coast employed a bend-but-not-break defense in front of netminder Seth Fass. In all, Fass turned away 26 Rage shots, including 13 in the second period.